Tan Talker

Then CHANGE IT.. FOR EVERYONES SAKE WHO IS WANTING MORE!

The rest of us are ignored and patronized with insulting "dumbed down" sessions. Moreover, the "powers that be" make sure that we don't have the opportunity learn and openly discuss the "dirty little secrets" that they don't want you to know. [Note: That is called censorship!] Don Smith
You are well enough to do it Don, Rayz, Rod, Mitzi, Max, Frank, Chunn, RichC., Eric.
Shelia, ME.. CHRIS.MJ. BRINZE, TAMAR,CHIPP,SOLID,KEY!Alex.
The list is endless.
Why not NOW! Gather funds. Group. Go forward.

fungirlz

Ok.. I see you got Jim goin here boyz..
Next thing everyone will be taking off their clothes and jumpin in the river singing.. We shall over come...

Big hugs,
Chris

Sheila in Minnesota

~ Jim ~ See how easy it is to see the solution . . . but the problems with implementing it?

You sound like me: quote You are well enough to do it Don, Rayz, Rod, Mitzi, Max, Frank, Chunn, RichC., Eric.
Shelia, ME.. CHRIS.MJ. BRINZE, TAMAR,CHIPP,SOLID,KEY!Alex.
The list is endless.
Why not NOW! Gather funds. Group. Go forward.

And this would require - - - - what is that word . . . . .cooperation?

Still ~ it must start somewhere! There is a plan that was shared with the ITA . . . a proposal that has the flexibility to grow quickly . . .. Sheeeeeeeeh (as my master likes to say ) if the online communities could just get together on this . . . . and USE the INTERNET as our first splash of positive campaigning for the industry . . .

Ahhhhhhhh the power of good drugs. . . . .

Sheila

fungirlz

And what does it take to do this?

Posted: 4/17/02 11:44p
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Jim ~ See how easy it is to see the solution . . . but the problems with implementing it?

You sound like me: quote You are well enough to do it Don, Rayz, Rod, Mitzi, Max, Frank, Chunn, RichC., Eric.
Shelia, ME.. CHRIS.MJ. BRINZE, TAMAR,CHIPP,SOLID,KEY!Alex.
The list is endless.
Why not NOW! Gather funds. Group. Go forward. (Jim)

if the online communities could just get together on this . . . . and USE the INTERNET as our first splash of positive campaigning for the industry . . . Shelia..

I believe MJ has extended the Olive Branch time and time again..
I am willing to extend my hand..I have told you that Shelia..

A hand of willingness to work through Real issues as a group.. Remember your "friends" are your friends.. "my friends" are my friends..but I'm sure no one is asking any of us to have a pajama party together...just open up the road block and have a summit meeting..

Let Chunn and Don speak for us as our "community"..ya'll pick your reps..and ask Suntanning.Com to do the same..

It has to start...or we are going to continue to do the same ol' same ol'.. and to be honest with you Shelia..(I know you feel the same way on this one)..
It Gets OLD....

Chris

Don Smith

Chris/Sheila:

There is nothing wrong with each segment of the indoor tanning industry (affinity groups) taking steps to protect their own best interests. One can't expect manufacturers to put the best interests of (1) dealers, (2) trade publications or, (3) tanning salon owners ahead of their own. After all, the management of the manufacturing company has a legal, ethical and moral responsibility to look out for the shareholders of their company!

Thus, it is unreasonable to expect that ANY multi-constituency organization (like ITA) can look out EQUALLY for all of their constitutents IN ALL DISPUTES.

For instance, why do you suppose that ITA turned their back on the "Sunlamp Compatibility" issue (no one from ITA uttered a single word on 2/7/02 at the FDA meeting!)? The reason is simple and it highlights my point about the problem of representing multiple constituencies. ITA cannot "take sides" in this dispute since the "conflict" is between several of the sunlamp companies themselves (a "formal complaint" was filed with FDA that will, IMHO, ultimately end up in a court-of-law). Thus, I think you can see that ITA cannot "side" with either of the "combatants" who will soon find themselves (and FDA) in court over false "compatibility" claims.

Therefore, it was left to "yours truly" (a lowly tanning salon owner!) to "carry the ball" for the industry at the FDA meeting regarding sunlamp compatibility.

For instance, do either of you think that ITA will take the salon owners "side" regarding Amendment 3 - Definition of a Manufacturer"? If you do, I have some ocean front property here in AZ to sell you! The fact of the matter is that Amendment 3 WILL, if "enacted" the way it is currently written, prove to be a financial "bonanza" for manufacturers and yet another HUGE expense for tanning salon owners to bear. Thus, Chris and Sheila, do either of you REALLY think that ITA will "speak out" against Amendment 3? If so, you are both "terminally" gullible.

And (sadly) do either of you believe that the International Smart Tan Network is "free" to speak out on behalf of tanning salon owners if doing so would put them into "conflict" with ITA? No way, Jose!

[Note: If you doubt what I say, why not ask ITA and Smart Tan to "publish" their position on Amendment 3 here on this website (or on their own).]

So (hopefully!) you can see that THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE but for tanning salon owners to look out for their own best interests. Likewise, manufacturers should look out for their own best interests and dealers should look out for their own best interests. That's the American way!

Having said that, we must also find a way to "come together" on issues where there are no disputes (for instance, when we are "attacked" by the anti-tanning idiots). That "informal group" that comes together periodically must be, IMHO, heavily "weighted" toward tanning salon owners. Why? Look at the numbers.

1. 25,000 tanning salon owners.
2. 250 dealers.
2. 25 manufacturers.

The "bottom line" is that tanning salon owners are the ones who provide the service to the tanning public! We are the ones who earn the money that fuels the grown of OUR industry. We are the ones that must withstand the "impact" of state and federal regulations.

Therefore, tanning salon owners MUST have a major say in what happens to OUR industry! We MUST look out for our own best interests.

Don

PS: Don't waste time by telling me that ITA just gave the salon owners on the board a double vote. That was just window dressing.